Auto-X vs. Life Insurance Question...

[Neal]

I was hoping somebody else has some experience with this and maybe even some advice.
I am trying to start a new life insurance policy. In trying to fully disclose all my interests and dangers I mentioned that I race Auto-X and participate in track days. Unfortunately this raised my premiums.
How do I convince these idiots that auto-x is safer than driving on the street? Our speeds are pretty low and we are on a controlled track with basically no other cars. As far as I am concerned, auto-x makes me a better driver and should lower my premiums.

Does anybody know how I should present it to them? I know track days are listed as a driving school as far as auto insurance is concerned, maybe I can convince them this is driver's training?

[kb58]

While I agree with you about autocrossing you go on to mention trackdays - people Do die at those events.


"I know track days are listed as a driving school as far as auto insurance is concerned."

With who, no company covers track events AFAIK. Recall the threads about a year ago of insurance agents taking pictures of license plates at car events and cancelling thier insurance?

Whatever you do, do not use the word "racing" or even "timed event", which would be true for a HPDE. Like you said, try calling it driver school... Good luck.

[chapmanr]

I think ya gotta be up front with these things. If you're not, you provide a way for the insurance company to refuse payment.

The most important thing about autocross in terms of risk is that it is low speed and not wheel to wheel. If there is a questionaire that asks if you race cars, you can truthfully say no. If it is a fill in the blank question, I'd suggest you put something like "slalom". If you need to expand on that say something like "handling competition, highway speed or less, one car at a time, usually in a parking lot". If that doesn't work, look for another company. Anyone out there know of a slalom friendly insurance company?

I have heard on and off for years about insurance companies cancelling policies due to participation in autocrosses. However, I have never heard a first hand story that didn't involve car damage and a claim. I have seen a insurance company pay for a wrecked car with full disclosure for an incidenct at a performance driving school (not a track day) at the streets of Willow.

I don't think you'd find many insurance agents heading to the stadium to take pictures of license plates. Mainly because they are on commission and they want your business. The claims adjusters could be a whole nuther matter:>

[Neal]

Redline track events had a thread about their auto insurance disclaimer. That is where I saw the "driving school" description.

In the past I had a supplemental disability policy cancelled when they found out I was injured riding motocross. Unfortunately that was because my agent told me not to mention riding motorcycles. I think that was more because he wanted to garuntee his commision of an approved policy.
It is more important to me to disclose my hobbies and have a higher premium than to have my family screwed out of a claim if something happened.

I did mention that it was a solo car event in a closed parking lot at less than highway speeds, but they didn't like the "racing" description.

Oh well, I guess I just have to pay up:(

[MX5bob]

Good thing I've never been asked about hobbies. I don't think ice climbing would go over too well. :D

[frosty]

I don't know about life insurance, but I've heard that State Farm considers autox to be driving instruction for car insurance purposes. I don't know if this helps any.

[MX5bob]

Life insurance is a completely different animal than car insurance.

Car insurers don't care if you smoke or have heart disease.

OTOH, life insurance companies don't care if you have Vette or Chevette.